England v DR Congo

HERE WE GO! The 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages are finally here and Wednesday night pits England against DR Congo in the new Round of 32 stage of the competition.

The Three Lions secured top spot in Group L via a gritty 2-0 weekend win over Panama and Thomas Tuchel’s side have been ‘rewarded’ with a clash against a DR Congo team that landed third in Group K behind Portugal and Colombia.

With the stakes ramped up, Paddy has called on former England star Joe Cole and the ex-winger has delivered a cracking England v DR Congo Bet Builder. Joe’s punts also include player picks covered by Paddy’s Super Sub offer, meaning if a player is hooked off, the bet carries over to his replacement.

England v DR Congo Bet Builder tips

Half-Time: Draw

England to win (90 mins)

Both teams to score: No

Harry Kane 2+ shots on target

Jude Bellingham to score or assist

Djed Spence to commit 1+ fouls

A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 28/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

WHEN: Wednesday, July 1st, 5pm

WHERE: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

TV: BBC1IBBCiPlayer/RTE2

It was job done in the group stage and the World Cup starts now for England. They won the group, in what I felt was convincing fashion. They were brilliant against Croatia, it was difficult to break Ghana down, but there was never any real danger from them and we got the win needed against Panama.

This game could be tricky for England as it could be much like the Ghana match. We have to take this clash in isolation and it might be tougher than we expect.

DR Congo pose a threat and they finished as the best of the third placed teams. We all know about Yoane Wissa, he’s got three goals already at the World Cup, but I’m backing England for the win and to keep a clean sheet on a nervy night.

I can see it being a draw at half time, as has been the case in all of England’s games so far, with only a third of their goals coming in the first half.

Jude Bellingham is bang in form with two goals, so I’m backing him to score or assist, and Harry Kane to have two or more shots on target which he managed against Croatia and Panama.

As a little extra, I’d also take a look at Djed Spence to commit a foul, as he can be quite rash into tackles at times.

England v DR Congo tips

Half-Time: Draw

England to win (90 mins)

Both teams to score: No

Harry Kane 2+ shots on target

Jude Bellingham to score or assist

Djed Spence to commit 1+ fouls

A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 28/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

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